“Special needs pets need special people!” This is a phrase that we hear frequently from rescues encouraging people to adopt special needs pets. But why is that? Is it because of the sacrifice we are willing to give and the extra time that we are willing to take to care for these pets? Is it because they require people with loads of patience, in a world that seems to have less of it? The answer is a resounding NO! (echo, echo….) Caring for a special needs pet may be a bit challenging at first. There’s a strict schedule, medication routine, frequent vet visits. They are not like ‘normal’ pets. It is a lot of work, but no one really told me what I would get in return for caring for special needs pet. No one told me about what made these animals so special, or what I was about to experience. My husband and I have the honor of caring for special needs pets. Our senior dog Reggie, a Lhasa Apso came into my life when we moved in together. He had a heart condition and was partially blind. I had to get accustomed to a new schedule with is daily heart medications, and we couldn’t miss a dose. We had to be aware of where he was at all times when moving around. We had to make sure that sharp edges were protected so he would not hurt himself. When we moved into our new house, we had to make sure to maintain a consistency with objects from our prior home and teach him how to move around the new one.  I could not change my routine while he got used to his new environment. Zach is another one of our special needs pets. He was born in our house as part of litter by a mama cat we were fostering. He suffers from a condition called Angular Degeneration, which causes different bones to grow at different rates throughout his life. This results in impaired mobility and the inability to retract the claws from his front paws. He has overgrown shoulder blades and does not have a kneecap in one of his legs so he cannot bend it. We are also not able to microchip him due to his issues with his shoulder blades. He is not able to jump like normal cats, and since he cannot bend his left leg, he is very prone to getting it caught in a certain spaces as he moves around our home. We had to identify all areas and spaces where he may get caught and make them inaccessible to him. We also have to make sure that he never goes outside unattended because he can’t defend himself. We need to give him daily massages to help relax the muscles in his front paws and to help his claws retract. We also have to do weekly nail trims for the claws do not retract. Tank is another one of our special needs pets. He is an English bulldog who suffers from allergies and requires daily serum injections. Tank came to us with one of the worst cases of mange and skin infections that we have ever had in our rescue. We fostered him, and after Reggie passed, we foster failed and made him a permanent member of our home. Little did we know at the time that his ailments were a direct result of his allergies. Tank is allergic to approximately 90% of the allergens included in a typical canine allergy panel. He will require serum injections for the rest of his life. He also suffers from severe dry eye, which requires life-long daily eye medications. Our special needs pets are a lot of work! So why put in all of this effort? Why spend all of the time, energy, and money on these pets rather than a perfectly healthy one? Because caring for a special needs pet is one of the most rewarding experiences! These are the pets that get rejected most often and the ones that need us the most. You may think that I am biased because of my personal experience with my own special needs pets, being an animal advocate, and my involvement in animal rescue. But the reality is, we have not met more dedicated, loyal, and loving pets than our special needs dogs and cats. Reggie was the best boy. He got along with everyone he met. He did not like his ears to be touched, but he loved cuddling with us. Reggie was pretty set in his ways, but always showed gratitude. Everyone who met Reggie loved Reggie. He was everyone’s favorite and still is, even almost 2 years after his passing. There is no cat more loving than Zach. All of our cats are very affectionate and love spending time with us, but Zach is beyond special with his affection. He makes sure to spend time with everyone in our home, both people and pets. He grooms all of us, and he’s such a cuddler! He also shows his love by trying to knead on me – even though his movements are limited. He is the welcoming committee for all of out new foster kittens. He loves to keep them company and groom them. He is just a wonderful kitty.

Tank is a mama’s boy. He does not leave my side. He follows me everywhere. He listens well. He is obedient and well behaved. What surprises me the most about him is how awesome he is about taking his injections. I just call him and tell him it’s time for his medication. He patiently lets me give him his injection then excitedly waits for his reward cookie. His best friend is Zach, who would spend time with Tank while he was recuperating from his skin issues. Tank gets along with all dogs that come through my home and helps with our puppy fosters by keeping them entertained and always playing with them. I have had to learn to deal with excessive drooling, but that’s just a part of who he is, and we love him. These are just a few examples of how exceptional special needs pets are. My husband and I also have full-time jobs, and I also run an animal rescue. We find the time to provide our special needs pets with the love and care they require and deserve. It is so worth it! If you are looking for a pet with whom you can build a strong bond, I encourage you to consider fostering or adopting a special needs pet. They come in all shapes and sizes, with different needs, some require more than others. But in the end, their wonderful personalities and temperament will make it difficult for you to not fall in love with them; and the love you will feel from them in return is beyond measure. It truly takes a special person to care for a special needs pet. It takes a special person who is willing to accept and cherish an unlimited amount of love and gratitude that comes from caring for them. So the question is: Are you that special person? To show your support for special needs pets, purchase a tee, tank, hat or tote from our new Special Needs, Special Deeds collection. All proceeds go towards the care of special needs pets.

The following guest post was originally posted by the Paw Prints in the Sand Co-Founder and President in Pet Rescue Report

What is BSL? BSL stands for Breed Specific Legislation, which essentially makes certain dog breeds illegal based on their looks or breed. The breeds most commonly included in these laws are: Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, American Bulldogs, Presa Canarios, Mastiffs, Chow Chows, Dalmatians and Wolf hybrids, among others depending on locality.

The reason these breeds are often deemed “illegal” in areas around the United States including Arkansas, Colorado, and Florida and across the globe is because they are assumed to be “vicious” or “risky” simply due to their breed, mix or even the shape of their heads. Most recently, the City of Montreal passed legislation that would ban any dog resembling a pit bull and kill thousands more. Anyone who owns a dog remotely resembling a pit bull would have to register his or her dog with the municipality and muzzle it while in public. In addition, the dogs would be required to be under adult supervision while in public at all times.

If the dogs are in animal shelters or without an owner (strays), they will be euthanized. Additionally, BSL often prevents responsible would-be dog owners from providing a good, loving home to one of these types of dogs because of landlord or homeowners insurance requirements, which will not allow it. So, here’s why BSL is BS specifically as it applies to pit bulls: Pit bulls used to be known as ‘America’s Nanny Dog’ because of their friendly nature, loyalty and stability. They served in WWI and WWII, and many pit bulls are decorated veterans who have served our country. Furthermore, based on a study by the American Temperament Test Society, Inc., pit bulls are among the most tolerant dogs with 86.8% of pit bulls tested passing for temperament, ranking only second to the Labrador Retriever.

I have personally fostered numerous pitties and have one of my own. Before I got involved in animal rescue, all I knew about Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and every other dog breed listed under BSL was what I saw in the media and how they were portrayed: vicious, aggressive, or high risk. However, practically every dog that has come through my door has been nothing but loving, loyal, and sweet. It took having hands on experience, educating myself, and gaining a better understanding of these breeds and proper handling for me to change my attitude and perception about these amazing dogs!

We want to help bring awareness to the issue that is BSL and put an end to the unjustified prejudice against certain breeds of dogs. We hope you will join us and support our ‘I’m With The Banned’ campaign by purchasing one of our shirts and give these great dogs the rights they deserve.

To help bring awareness BSL, please go to visit this link to purchase a ‘I’m With The Banned’ T-Shirt . Proceeds from this campaign will go towards the dominant breed dogs we rescue and towards our rescue programs. For more information on Paw Prints in the Sand and the work we do, please visit our web site at www.pawprintsinthesand.org, or on our social sites: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Happy World Cat Day from all of us at Paw Prints in the Sand! It has been 4,000 years since cats were domesticated and became members of our homes and families. The ancient Egyptians were the first to bring cats into their homes to control pests and vermin. Cats were worshiped and considered gods and goddesses. Harsh penalties and punishments were served to those who harmed or killed a cat.

Cats are still one of the most popular pets in today’s society, not to mention that they are the unofficial emissaries of the Internet, which is why we celebrate them today.

So why do we love our cats?

1.     We love their independence
Unlike their canine counterparts, cats don’t constantly crave attention nor do they become disturbed when their humans leave. Cats also don’t look to humans for guidance in unfamiliar situations. Rather, cats prefer to deal with matters on their own.

2.     They have a calming effect
Have you ever noticed the calming feeling you get when petting a cat? Not only is a cat’s purring mesmerizing; the tactile feeling when stroking its fur can be meditative. Also, cats more deeply register our tactile presence. Cats can also help release oxytocin, which is associated with the feeling of being in love.

3.     They have healing powers
A 10-year research study suggests that cat owners were less likely to die of heart attacks than people who have never owned one. The latter group was 40 percent more likely to die from heart attacks and 30 percent more likely to die from cardiovascular disease. Other studies confirm that cats can lower our blood pressure and release dopamine and serotonin, which reduce stress and improve immune functioning.*

4.     They are low-maintenance
Cats are easy pets to own. You don’t need to walk them every few hours. They don’t require bathing or constant attention. Cats are just happy to be near you, and you can go away for the weekend and not worry about hiring a pet sitter (although we always recommend you have someone check on your cat just to be on the safe side). And, they are small and typically allowed in most apartments and rental living situations.

5.     Cats are extremely loyal
Everyone equates loyalty to man’s best friend, but cats are extremely loyal companions.  They love to be pet and cuddled. If you give a cat a bit of attention, you will get a lot of love in return. Also, people think that cats don’t know their names or respond to their humans like dogs do. Not true! Cats do know their names and understand when you call them. They just don’t always care. 😉

6.     It’s fun to watch them play
Cats love to play! Have you ever dangled some string in front of a cat or a laser pointer and watched a cat playfully go after it? Their curiosity and acrobatics are always entertaining. And, did you know you could train a cat to fetch just like a dog?  Yes, cats are trainable too.

Sadly, over 80% of cats that enter the shelter system are euthanized on an annual basis so, of course, we also had to take this opportunity to encourage people to adopt a cat from a shelter or local rescue organization. There are so many wonderful kitties of all ages looking for the puurrfect furever home. And, don’t forget to spay or neuter your cat to help reduce the kitty overpopulation in our shelters and on our streets.

Having a cat is a very rewarding experience. To receive the love and affection from a kitty is one of the best feelings around, but they will only reserve it to those who properly take care of them, so make sure to provide your cat with the basics:

• Scratching post tall enough for their size
• A comfy kitty bed
• A litter box that is large enough and tall enough to contain liquids and litter, proper litter (most cats like soft small pellet litter)
• Fresh water
• Ample food
• Kitty toys

Now let’s celebrate World Cat Day with some fun cat videos and maybe even by saving a life! Your new feline companion will thank you!

*The finding was the main result of a 10 year study of more than 4,000 Americans by researchers at the University of Minnesota’s Stroke Institute in Minneapolis.